Remember that little event we had in October 2014 called Louder Than Fright? Well, if you didn’t make it, shame on you, because you missed a truly amazing show, opened by the very talented local band, Lost in Eden. From the Kentuckiana area between Southern Indiana and Louisville KY exists this little slice of awesomsauce called Lost in Eden. They’ve shared the stage with national acts such as Jackyl, Nigel Dupree, Hot Action Cop, Adema, among others. This band is out there actively pounding the pavement and slowly, but surely, making their way through this jungle of an industry. With a powerful and emotive sound channeled through the multi-talented Keith Wheatley, Lost in Eden is definitely a band to keep an eye on! We are uber stoked to present to you our Indie Band of the Week, Lost in Eden.
When you are Lost in Eden, is there really any reason to leave?
Let’s start with a really easy, and almost trite question. What is the story behind the name Lost in Eden, and why does this name define you?
The name came about around 2005 but didn’t officially get it started until Feb 2007. I wanted a name that would best define who I was as an artist, as a person and the type of people I wanted to connect with. To me, it’s like the world is Eden and we’re all lost in it. I don’t care if you are poor, rich, successful, not successful, straight, gay, black, white; to me it seems like everyone is lost -looking for something, be it direction, or someone to love, peace of mind, who they are or maybe something else like religion. I guess everyone is different in that regard.
When did you discover that music was what you wanted to do with your life?
I had a very traumatic child hood. I was physically and mentally abused by my step dad starting around age 2 or 3. Both my parents died with in a month of each other 2 weeks before my 8th birthday. My step dad then adopted me and then just a couple months after doing so signed me over to the state where I was placed into multiple foster homes. I felt really scared, abandoned and lots of other emotions. I found solace in music. It gave me a way to escape the crappy world around me. I would get lost in it, so to speak. I knew by age 10 what I wanted to do just didn’t know how to go about doing it. Around 14 I became friends with some guys who played in a band with my cousin. I hung around them as much as possible helping at shows as a tech. Not only did I get to get in to a ton of clubs, but it lead me in to becoming friends with Travis Meeks. He had a band called Days Of The New and they took the fuck off! Travis taught me a lot about being an artist. How to project my voice, the importance of song structure, producing and other stuff as well. Seeing him in the spotlight like that really made me see that it is possible. Since then I’ve been writing my ass off and pushing down barriers (laughs)
What about music pushes you to continue to do what you do?
That’s simple! I absolutely love it and would probably snap if I didn’t do it (laughs). It’s very therapeutic for me. Music has healing powers, I strongly believe it’s medicine for the soul.
The music industry is grueling, ruthless, and will chew you up and spit you out… and those are the good qualities. What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
I feel like the “industry” is a joke nowadays. It always has been, and that may never change (laughs). The industry is and has always been full of sharks and snakes.Don’t get me wrong; there are some good people too, but you really need to keep your eyes open. As an artist I would suggest and recommend being hands on involved in day-to-day operations of what’s going on when dealing with labels, and especially management. It’s easy to get comfortable. Keep in mind, it’s their job to be convincing. (laughs).
You are an independent artist. What do you feel are some of the benefits and (on the flip side) what are some of the biggest challenges independent artists such as yourself face in the music industry today?
The upside is the freedom to do what you want in the studio or live. You don’t need permission to work with other artists. You can literally play shows when you want, with nobody hounding you about touring. Also, no one is demanding you to deliver a hit song. In some ways there is no pressure. On the other hand there is no free studio time. (laughs) There is no big advancement/loan from the record company, no tour support, no budget for promotion. Plus it’s very tough to get on radio or to get any kinda real exposure. Don’t get me wrong if you have the resources financially you can go to the moon, but if you don’t, unfortunately it can be very very tough.
Black Balloon came out last year, and you are working toward the next album. What will be different on this next one?
The next album is going to be a heavier sounding, more raw record. I plan to use a more traditional approach this time around but still utilizing today’s technology. The songs have more attitude and depth to them. It will be titled This Old City and it will be a versatile record, meaning you won’t listen to it and feel as if you have heard 12 tracks of the same song. There will be some blues, some heavier hard rock stuff, some melodic acoustic stuff mixed with a hint of punk, and some country southern rockish type stuff..
What did you learn from making Black Balloon that you will apply to the next one, and what did you learn that you won’t?
That’s a tough one! I would say I learned to be patient. Honestly that is not my strong suit. Black Balloon took a long time to make, and it forced me to be patient (laughs). All the guitars were ran through pods on Black Balloon. This time around I will be using live amps. Also with Black Balloon I stuck to the basics and this time around I will be thinking more outside the box. This record will have guest appearances from other artists, (can’t say who just yet but there will be three other vocalist who will be making guest appearances on this new record). I always love to hear artists collaborate on songs together. To me it offers different interpretations of the song and brings a different energy. I am very excited about this record! The material is written, the artwork is finished, and the studio is picked out. I have a “GoFundMe” page together to help raise money for the cost of recording, and I am saving what money I can. The way it’s looking this record is going to take a while to make, (due to finances) but when it is finished I believe it will be a great record and something people will enjoy.
If you could define what makes Lost in Eden different from all other bands out there, what would it be? What makes you different?
I think what makes the music I write for L.I.E. different from other bands is the honesty in the lyrics and the versatility in the music. I focus my attention on trying to write good songs. Not saying that others don’t, there are a lot of great songs/bands out there. What I mean by that is, I don’t worry about the style in which the song is written. If it’s a good song then I utilize it. That’s one of the best things, I think. No limits, anything goes! When I go to a show or put a cd on and every song sounds like the last, I get bored with it. I strive to not be that artist. I don’t want to get bored or bore people (laughs)
How would you define the word “success”?
To me success is achieving the kind of life you desire, and being surrounded by people who love you. If you do what you love and are surrounded by people who love you, to me that is success. It’s not about money or how much of it you have or don’t. If you can be happy, that is the ultimate success.
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